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Posted by Len Provisor
on November 8, 2009, 11:25 am
PARKER 51 1944 P51B Mustang
The history of the PARKER 51 Mustang begins with the 1941introduction of the new Parker 51 fountain pen…advertised as “ a pen from another planet ”.
The “51” was an immediate success and the public demand was enormous. Parker was preparing for the largest production of a single pen model in their history.
The Parker “51” was introduced in Peace Time however, by December, 1941 the world was in conflict with the onslaught of America’s entry into World War II. Certain materials used in the production of the “51” such as aluminum, were deemed essential to war production. As a result the speed line filler was revised to plastic as well as the double aluminum jewels on the cap and the bottom of the barrel were converted to a simulated pearl material. These aluminum parts now signify “first year” production and are highly prized by Parker “51” collectors. Some of these jewels that appear to be aluminum have been found to be sterling silver, which was not a rationed war material. Some common looking gold filled brass caps are actually plated over sterling silver, just look inside the cap of your “51”…you may be surprised.
By 1942 production of the Parker “51” fountain pen was drastically reduced to about 50% or more. Parker and other pen companies were given War Production Board contracts to produce essential war materials. Parker manufactured primers, rocket fuses, rivets, fasteners and parts for aircraft engines including that of the P51 Mustang. Most of the entire production of “51” pens was earmarked for sale to the government and military store outlets. As late as the fourth quarter of 1944 shipments were distributed 60% to Army and Navy, 9.45% exported to United Nations and only 30.5% to U.S. civilian retailers. It is believed than an estimate of 60% of this remaining available stock from retailers was purchased by or for men and women in military service. Parker estimated that of the few hundred thousand total quantity of pens rationed to U.S. retailers was equal to only 5% to 10% of public demand.
The public demand for this revolutionary pen was only increased by the diminished distribution to retail stores.
In September, 1944 the public was notified in the press that all restrictions governing the manufacture of fountain pens had been lifted.
The pilot of the PARKER 51 Mustang was Capt. Maurice Baker. Capt. Baker certainly must have liked his Parker “51” plus the coincidence of his hometown was Parker, SD. Certainly this may have inspired him to honor his Mustang fighter with the name of his favorite pen. Although there are no records of Parker Pen Company President Kenneth Parker having knowledge of this PARKER 51 Mustang, it would certainly be surprising if the widely read Parker pen advertising featuring this famous aircraft was not an influence….on both Kenneth Parker and Capt. Maurice Baker. By May, 1944 this P51B Mustang was on active duty in Great Britain serving as bomber escort with the 357th Fighter Group and the 362nd Fighter Squadron. It may also not be a coincidence that aviation enthusiast Kenneth Parker could not resist making a direct comparison of the sleek new Mustang fighter to the “51”. He may or may not have known about Capt. Baker, but in June, 1944 the first Parker advertisement appeared showing the P51 Mustang profiled with the “51” pen.
PARKER 51 in France the day after D-Day 1944
© 2004 Len Provisor and Geoffrey S. Parker
The P51B fighter called the PARKER 51
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